RUMOR: Who Will Be the Arizona Cardinals Starting Quarterback?

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The Arizona Cardinals have a quarterback situation. Unlike the Broncos, the Cardinals have some options.

Quarterback Kevin Kolb was the subject of the blockbuster trade of the shortened 2011 free-agent period, but he has thus far proved to be a bust. Too bad for the Cardinals that they took a leap of faith and signed him to a huge contract. There’s also the bonus that Kolb is owed if he is on the roster Friday.

The Cardinals have shown interest in Peyton Manning, but the final decision for where the quarterback lands won’t ultimately be up to them.

Scenario 1: John Skelton

If that does happen and Manning decides to play on a different team, the Cardinals will be right back where they ended the 2010 season: Without a good starting quarterback option.

The good news for the Cardinals is that if they do find themselves in that situation, their logical go-to guy will be John Skelton. Skelton may not be the best quarterback in the league, but he has shown that he can be serviceable under center, and that he has a Tebow-esque way of pulling out victories at the 11th hour.

Scenario 2: Peyton Manning

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The Cardinals have the pieces in place to make Arizona an attractive place for Peyton Manning. The only thing they don’t have is money.

Well, they’re working on that.

After releasing former first-round pick Levi Brown and freeing themselves of Brown’s huge salary cap hit, they have already given themselves some breathing room. Releasing Kolb will give them another $10 million to work with.

RUMOR: Where Will Matt Flynn Start?

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Yet another quarterback whose name has popped up in the rumor mill has been Matt Flynn, formerly of the Green Bay Packers.

Flynn’s case is much simpler than his fellow quarterbacks. His fate will be impacted by Peyton Manning but only indirectly. He has no ties holding him back, so he's free to search the market for the highest bidder.

RUMOR: Where Will Peyton Manning Play in 2012?

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The Peyton Manning lottery is in full swing. Initial indications pointed to a decision coming through right at the beginning of the free-agency period, but that ship has clearly sailed. The drama, it seems, will continue for the foreseeable future.

Scenario 2: Arizona Cardinals

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The delay in Peyton Manning’s decision couldn’t come at a worse time for the Cardinals who are on the hook for a $7 million bonus due to Kevin Kolb on Friday.

The Cardinals may choose to cut their ties with Kolb regardless of what happens with the Manning drama, but it is a much riskier proposition without lining up a new starting quarterback to take his place.